(metro) Star Power

March 24, 2000|By DAVE BROUSSEAU Staff Writer

Since Lothar Matthaeus arrived in New York two weeks ago, his every step and breath have been documented and written about by journalists.

Matthaeus is one of the most successful soccer players in the world and his Major League Soccer debut with the MetroStars against the Fusion Sunday at Lockhart Stadium is being greeted with great anticipation.

More than 50 international journalists have requested credentials, pushing the total to more than 200.

The game will be on ESPN2 at 5 p.m.

"This is expected and he deserves all this attention and notoriety,'' MetroStars coach Octavio Zambrano said. "Like an athlete that performs well in his late 30s, very few have done what he's done.

"This is fitting and right now he deserves all the accolades.''

Matthaeus bid his farewell after eight seasons with Bayern Munich, leaving a memorable 21-year career peppered with honors and records, to join the MetroStars.

Matthaeus, a 5-foot-8, 155-pounder, is the league's newest attraction in a country trying to grasp soccer.

Matthaeus' full name is Lothar Herbert Matthaeus.

He was born in Erlangen, Germany, and is the son of a carpenter. He began his career with a local club, FC Herzogenaurach. In 1979, when he was 18, Matthaeus moved to Borussia Monchengladbach, which was one of the greatest clubs in Europe at the time.

He went to Bayern Munich in 1984, where he played four seasons before moving to Italy's Serie A and Inter Milan in 1988 for a four-year stint.

He won the German Championship six times with Bayern and was on Inter Milan's Serie A title winning team in 1989. He won the UEFA Cup in 1991 with Inter and 1996 with Bayern, and has two German Cup winner's medals.

Matthaeus has a long list of accomplishments.

He captained the West German team that won World Cup Italy in 1990, and was the FIFA Player of the Year in 1991. He was the German Player of the Year ('90 and '99) and European Player of the Year (1990). Championships included the European Champion (1990).

He has played 144 games for Germany, more than anyone. Matthaeus is the only non-goalie to have played in five World Cups, playing in a record 25 games at the finals.

He broke the record of 22 appearances when he came in as a substitute in a 2-2 match against Yugoslavia at World Cup France '98. His 2,048 World Cup minutes are the most, and has six World Cup goals. He most recently served as Germany's captain at the Confederations Cup in Mexico, scoring his 22nd international goal in a 2-0 win over New Zealand.

The hype surrounding Matthaeus has been unmatched since the arrival and departure of Pele, the Brazilian legend who came to the New York Cosmos of the defunct North American Soccer League in 1975. Pele brought flare and validity to that league. Matthaeus is expected to do the same for MLS. Unlike Pele, who had offensive creativity, Matthaeus is primarily a defender. He has played in the midfield.

"A lot of people have been following him,'' Zambrano said. "He has and will continue to be big news since his arrival. It's a joy watching him interact with the other players. I don't think these guys realize what an experience it is yet playing alongside Lothar. He brings personality to our club.''

Matthaeus' value to the MetroStars, a team that finished an MLS worst 7-25 last season, can't be measured in goals and assists. His experience and field generalship is worth much more than that.

"Having a player like him in training is a treat,'' Zambrano said. "He is obviously a sound player in every category. He doesn't need much coaching. He knows what to do and has been very alert and keen in knowing how we play and how he can best contribute. He knows what is expected of him.''

Matthaeus, 39, looks forward to the opportunity of making the MetroStars a winning club.

"It's a challenge,'' Matthaeus said. "But for 20 years I have been living as a professional player with these expectations and pressure, and I'm not afraid of it.''

Although Matthaeus is in the twilight of his career, he's no has-been.

"He's been particularly impressive in his current level of play,'' said Ivan Gazidis, MLS executive vice present of player relations.

Matthaeus also said he has plenty of ability left. He has a one-year contract with the MetroStars and possibly more if he chooses.

"It's important not to miss a game here with the MetroStars,'' Matthaeus said. "On the other hand, I would like to play in the European Cup, and I would also like to be available if needed for the national team.''

The Fusion agrees Matthaeus has plenty to offer.

"He's a World Cup class player that can still play,'' Fusion goalkeeper Jeff Cassar said. "With the leadership Lothar offers, it gives the MetroStars experience that the team was lacking last year.''

The buildup leading to Sunday's game hasn't hurt the Fusion's preparation for the MetroStars.

"[Lothar] is great player as he has shown,'' Fusion forward Roy Lassiter said. "He is a great professional, but we're not too worried about him. He's a defender and that can't hurt us too much. We need to just concentrate on our game plan and play together.''

Said Fusion coach Ivo Wortmann: "We have concentrate on the MetroStars and not just him. We're excited about this game. We will welcome him, then make problems for him in the game.''

Few soccer players have accomplished as much as Matthaeus.

Now the former German star will apply his considerable influence on improving the MetroStars.

New York/New Jersey fans will get their first look at the him when he makes his Giants Stadium debut April 1 against defending MLS champion D.C. United.